Extra Life: the gaming equivalent of the Relay for Life

On Oct. 15, 2011, participants of the Extra Life gaming marathon will put their thumbs to work to raise money by the hour for children all over the U.S. and Canada. 

Much like the Relay for Life, Extra Life participants raise money by finding sponsors. Instead of miles walked, Extra Life sponsors give $1 per hour of gameplay, with the total being 24 hours. The money raised is allocated to the Children's Miracle Network Hospital of the participant's choice, so it can specifically help children in the local area. 

The 24 hours does not necessarily have to be played consecutively, and sponsors are presumably allowed to give more than $24 if they choose. Gaming can take place on any number of games on any platforms and in the comfort of participants' own homes, but they must log in all their gaming hours.

Extra Life also hosts a separate event named Gaming and Giving for Good (G3). This event is sponsored by Microsoft and other big name companies, and will take place on Oct. 1. The concept is basically the same as the other Extra Life event, except G3 will only be on Xbox Live on the 1st. Despite that, participants are encouraged to log in hours whenever possible, before or afterward. 

Extra Life may be new, but the Children's Miracle Network has been around for over 25 years. When a hospital is part of the network, anyone from anywhere can make a donation, and that money goes to that specific hospital, instead of somewhere the person giving the donations never hears about.

To become a part of Extra Life, or to find out more about it, click here.